Samsung Galaxy Note8 Review

• Overview
• Design and Build Quality
• Display
• Performance
• Software and User Interface
• Camera
• Battery Life
• Connectivity and Networking
• Additional Features
• Comparison with Other Related Phones
• Pros and Cons
• Conclusion

Overview

The Samsung Galaxy Note 8 is a smartphone that was released in September 2017, and it has remained a popular device in the market ever since. It boasts a number of impressive features, including a massive 6.3-inch Super AMOLED display, a dual-lens camera system, and a powerful processor capable of handling complex tasks with ease. In addition to its impressive hardware, the Note 8 also offers a number of software features that are tailored to the needs of professionals and power users, including the ability to take notes and create sketches using the included S Pen. Whether you're looking for a device that can help you get work done on the go, or simply want a smartphone that offers top-notch performance and features, the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 is definitely worth considering.

Design and Build Quality

The Samsung Galaxy Note8 boasts a sleek and premium design that exudes elegance and sophistication. With its glass front and back panels, reinforced by Gorilla Glass 5, and an aluminum frame, the device feels sturdy and robust in hand. The dimensions of 162.5 x 74.8 x 8.6 mm and weight of 195g strike a balance between a large display and portability. The 6.3-inch Super AMOLED display dominates the front, with slim bezels and an 83.2% screen-to-body ratio, offering an immersive viewing experience. The device features a gorgeous 18.5:9 aspect ratio and a resolution of 1440 x 2960 pixels, resulting in sharp and vibrant visuals.

Samsung paid great attention to the finishing touches, giving the Galaxy Note8 a refined and polished appearance. The glass back panel has a smooth and glossy texture, while the metal frame adds a touch of sophistication. The placement of buttons and controls, including the power button, volume rocker, and Bixby button, is ergonomic and intuitive. The inclusion of an S Pen stylus adds functionality and enhances the overall experience.

Despite its larger size, the device is designed to be comfortable for one-handed usability, thanks to its curved edges and slim profile. The IP68 rating ensures resistance against dust and water, giving users peace of mind. The Galaxy Note8 is available in various colors, including Midnight Black, Maple Gold, Orchid Gray, Deep Sea Blue, and Star Pink, allowing users to choose a design that suits their personal aesthetic preference.

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Note8 exhibits a premium look and feel, with a well-crafted design that combines aesthetics, durability, and functionality. It is a testament to Samsung's commitment to delivering a flagship device that is not only visually appealing but also comfortable to use.

Display

The Samsung Galaxy Note8 features a stunning display that is sure to impress users. With a screen size of 6.3 inches, it offers a spacious viewing experience for multimedia content, gaming, and productivity tasks. The display resolution is 1440 x 2960 pixels, providing sharp and detailed visuals. The aspect ratio of 18.5:9 ensures a cinematic feel while watching videos or browsing the web.

The Galaxy Note8 utilizes Super AMOLED technology, which offers deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast levels. This results in a visually pleasing experience with rich and lifelike colors. The display also supports HDR10, allowing for a wider dynamic range and more accurate representation of light and dark scenes in HDR content.

With its high pixel density of approximately 521 pixels per inch, the Note8's display ensures crisp and clear visuals, whether you're reading text or viewing images. The screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5, which provides durability and resistance against scratches.

Outdoor visibility is enhanced thanks to the Note8's high brightness levels, making it easier to use the device even in bright sunlight. Additionally, the display offers wide viewing angles, ensuring that colors and details remain consistent when viewed from different angles.

The Note8 also includes features such as an always-on display, which allows users to glance at their notifications, time, and other information without fully activating the screen. This saves battery life and provides convenience. The display also offers a blue light filter to reduce eye strain, and adaptive brightness to automatically adjust the screen brightness based on ambient lighting conditions.

Overall, the display of the Samsung Galaxy Note8 delivers an immersive and visually impressive experience with its large size, vibrant colors, high resolution, and various display-enhancing features.

Performance

The performance of the Samsung Galaxy Note8 is impressive, thanks to its powerful chipset and efficient processor. The device is equipped with either the Exynos 8895 chipset or the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chipset, depending on the region. These chipsets provide a solid foundation for the phone's performance, ensuring smooth multitasking and app loading speeds.

In terms of CPU benchmarks, the Galaxy Note8 performs exceptionally well. It is equipped with an octa-core processor, consisting of four high-performance cores and four power-efficient cores. This setup allows for efficient task management, ensuring a lag-free performance even while running resource-intensive applications.

The GPU benchmarks of the Galaxy Note8 also showcase its gaming capabilities. The device is equipped with the Mali-G71 MP20 GPU (in the Exynos variant) or the Adreno 540 GPU (in the Snapdragon variant). These GPUs deliver excellent graphics scores and ensure a seamless gaming experience. The phone can handle graphically demanding games with ease, providing users with an immersive gaming experience.

The Galaxy Note8's performance is further enhanced by its system optimization and thermal management. The device is designed to optimize performance and ensure efficient power usage. This results in a smooth user experience and prolonged battery life.

Benchmark tests conducted on the Galaxy Note8 have consistently shown impressive results. The phone performs well in synthetic benchmarks, showcasing its overall performance metrics. Whether it's running CPU-intensive tasks or graphics-intensive applications, the Galaxy Note8 delivers top-notch performance.

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Note8 offers a high level of performance. Its powerful chipset, efficient processor, and impressive GPU benchmarks make it a capable device for multitasking, gaming, and everyday use. The phone provides a smooth and lag-free user experience, making it a reliable choice for those seeking optimal performance in a smartphone.

Software and User Interface

The software of the Samsung Galaxy Note8 is powered by the Android operating system. It initially came with Android 7.1.1 Nougat and is upgradable to the Android 9.0 Pie version. Samsung has customized the software with its own user interface called Samsung Experience. This customization adds a unique touch to the overall user experience.

One notable aspect of the software is the user-friendliness of the interface. The Samsung Experience UI offers a clean and intuitive layout, making it easy for users to navigate through various settings and features. The interface is designed to be visually appealing with vibrant colors and smooth animations.

The Samsung Galaxy Note8 comes with a range of pre-installed apps, some of which are useful and enhance the overall functionality of the device. However, there are also some pre-installed apps that can be considered as bloatware, as they may not be relevant or necessary for all users. Thankfully, Samsung allows users to uninstall or disable these apps, providing a level of customization to tailor the device according to individual preferences.

The software of the Galaxy Note8 also includes several features that enhance productivity, such as the S Pen functionality. The S Pen allows users to write, draw, and navigate the device with precision, making it a unique and standout feature of the Note series. Additionally, the device supports Samsung DeX, which transforms the Note8 into a desktop-like experience when connected to a monitor or TV.

Overall, the software of the Samsung Galaxy Note8 offers a user-friendly interface with customization options and productivity-enhancing features. While there is some bloatware, the ability to uninstall or disable unwanted apps allows users to personalize their device to their liking. The combination of the Android operating system and Samsung's customization results in a smooth and enjoyable user experience.

Camera

The Samsung Galaxy Note8 boasts an impressive camera setup that delivers exceptional image quality and versatility. The dual 12-megapixel camera system consists of a wide-angle lens with a fast f/1.7 aperture and a telephoto lens with a slightly narrower f/2.4 aperture. This combination allows for stunning depth-of-field effects and 2x optical zoom without sacrificing image sharpness. The focal length of the lenses provides flexibility for both close-up and long-distance shots. The camera also features optical image stabilization, which helps to reduce blur caused by hand movement, resulting in sharper images.

In terms of image quality, the Galaxy Note8 excels in various lighting conditions. Its performance in daylight photography is outstanding, capturing vibrant colors and excellent detail. The camera's dynamic range ensures that highlights and shadows are well-balanced, resulting in more natural-looking images. The low-light performance of the Note8 is impressive, with its wide aperture and low-light sensitivity allowing for brighter and clearer shots in dimly lit environments. The camera's noise reduction algorithms effectively minimize noise, producing clean and detailed images even in challenging lighting situations.

The camera app of the Galaxy Note8 offers a wide range of features and shooting modes to enhance creativity. The portrait mode creates stunning bokeh effects, blurring the background and highlighting the subject. The HDR mode captures a wider range of tones in high-contrast scenes, preserving details in both bright and dark areas. The panorama mode allows for capturing breathtaking wide-angle shots, perfect for landscapes and cityscapes. The pro mode gives advanced users full control over settings such as ISO, shutter speed, and white balance. Additionally, the camera features AI scene recognition, which automatically adjusts settings based on the detected scene, optimizing image quality.

When it comes to video recording, the Galaxy Note8 is equally impressive. It can record 4K videos with excellent detail and clarity. The video stabilization feature ensures smooth footage even when recording handheld. Slow-motion and time-lapse video options allow for creative storytelling and capturing unique moments. The Note8 supports various video formats, providing flexibility for sharing and editing videos.

Overall, the camera of the Samsung Galaxy Note8 offers a compelling combination of advanced features, superb image quality, and versatility, making it a top choice for mobile photography and videography enthusiasts.

Battery Life

The Samsung Galaxy Note8 comes equipped with a non-removable Li-Ion 3300 mAh battery, which offers a decent battery capacity for everyday use. The device supports fast charging technology, allowing users to quickly recharge their phone when needed. Additionally, it also supports wireless charging options, providing convenience for those who prefer a cable-free charging experience. The battery performance of the Note8 is generally satisfactory, with a talk time of up to 22 hours on 3G and a music playback time of up to 74 hours. The device also offers battery optimization features, helping to enhance power efficiency and prolong battery life. Users can take advantage of battery management tools to monitor and control battery usage, ensuring optimal performance and minimizing unnecessary drain. Overall, the battery of the Samsung Galaxy Note8 offers a reliable backup and decent endurance for users throughout the day.

Connectivity and Networking

The Samsung Galaxy Note8 offers a wide range of connectivity options to keep you connected wherever you go. It supports various network compatibility including GSM, HSPA, and LTE, ensuring that you can enjoy fast data speeds and reliable connectivity. With its dual SIM capabilities, you can use two SIM cards simultaneously, making it convenient for those who travel frequently or need to separate their personal and work numbers.

When it comes to wireless connectivity, the Note8 supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac standards, allowing you to connect to both 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks for faster speeds and better coverage. The device also features Bluetooth 5.0, which offers improved range and faster data transfer compared to previous versions. NFC (Near Field Communication) is another feature available on the Note8, enabling you to make contactless payments and easily share files with other NFC-enabled devices.

The Note8 is equipped with a USB Type-C 3.1 port, providing fast charging and data transfer capabilities. Additionally, it supports wireless charging, allowing you to charge the device without the need for cables.

For navigation purposes, the Note8 utilizes GPS, GLONASS, BDS, and GALILEO systems, ensuring accurate positioning and reliable navigation. It also has a mobile hotspot feature, enabling you to share your cellular data connection with other devices.

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Note8 offers a comprehensive range of connectivity options, including 4G LTE, dual SIM support, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, USB-C, wireless charging, and reliable GPS navigation, making it a versatile device for staying connected on the go.

Additional Features

- Standout Features: The Samsung Galaxy Note8 offers several standout features that set it apart from other smartphones on the market. One of its notable features is its water and dust resistance. With an IP68 rating, the Note8 is both waterproof and dustproof, allowing users to use it confidently in various environments without worrying about damage.

- Wireless Charging: Another convenient feature of the Note8 is its support for wireless charging. It is compatible with Qi wireless charging technology, which means users can charge their device by simply placing it on a compatible wireless charging pad, eliminating the need for cables and connectors.

- Advanced Sensors: The Note8 is equipped with a range of advanced sensors, including an accelerometer and a gyroscope. These sensors enable the device to detect motion and orientation, enhancing the user experience and enabling features such as screen rotation and fitness tracking. Additionally, the Note8 boasts an extensive sensor suite that includes environmental sensors, allowing for accurate measurements and data collection.

Overall, the additional features of the Samsung Galaxy Note8, such as its water resistance, wireless charging capability, and advanced sensor suite, make it a versatile and convenient smartphone for users.

Comparison with Other Related Phones

The Samsung Galaxy Note8 is a flagship device that offers a range of impressive features. When comparing it to other related gadgets in the market, it stands out as a strong contender. One notable competitor is the iPhone X from Apple. Both devices have similar screen sizes, with the Note8 sporting a 6.3-inch Super AMOLED display and the iPhone X featuring a 5.8-inch OLED display. However, the Note8 has a higher screen-to-body ratio, giving it a more immersive experience.

In terms of performance, the Note8 is equipped with either an Exynos 8895 or Snapdragon 835 chipset, depending on the region. This allows for smooth multitasking and efficient processing. In benchmark tests, the Note8 has performed admirably, with high scores on platforms such as AnTuTu and GeekBench.

When it comes to unique features, the Note8 stands out with its S Pen stylus. This allows users to take notes, draw, and navigate the device with precision. The iPhone X, on the other hand, boasts a facial recognition system called Face ID, which adds an extra layer of security.

Pricing is another factor to consider when comparing devices. The Note8 was released with a premium price tag, but over time, it has become more affordable. In contrast, the iPhone X has maintained its high price since launch. This makes the Note8 a more cost-effective option for those looking for flagship features without breaking the bank.

In terms of market share, Samsung has consistently been one of the top players in the smartphone industry. The Note8, with its powerful specifications and unique features, has helped the brand maintain its competitive edge. Other manufacturers, such as Huawei with its Mate series and Google with its Pixel lineup, also offer strong competitors in the high-end smartphone market.

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Note8 offers a compelling package with its impressive display, powerful performance, unique S Pen functionality, and competitive pricing. It continues to be a strong contender in the market, appealing to consumers looking for a high-end smartphone experience without compromising on features or value for money.

Pros and Cons

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy Note8 stands as a powerful and feature-packed smartphone. With its stunning Super AMOLED display, impressive dual-camera setup, and sleek design, it offers an immersive and visually captivating experience. The device also boasts a water and dust-resistant build, expandable storage, and a long-lasting battery. Additionally, its S Pen stylus adds a unique touch, providing enhanced productivity and creativity. However, some users may find its large size and high price tag as potential drawbacks. Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Note8 is a top-tier device that caters to those seeking a premium smartphone experience with advanced features and capabilities.